Rated 5 out of
5 by
Mobilly from
Wally Marshall WMR5 reelsGreat reels, I really like the high speed, an the thumb releases!

Date published: 2016-05-29

Rated 3 out of
5 by
fishin machine from
Good pricedecent real to just hold your line with never good for casting

Date published: 2015-05-09

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Fred07 from
Mini reels take some trial and errorThe WMR5 is a more advanced, smoother-operating and better casting, version of Buck's Mini Reel and variations on the theme. The main problem with all mini reels is the gap between the spool and the reel housing, which line can get behind -- and then you have to take the reel apart. The Buck's Mini Reel and variations are pretty easy to take apart. This WMR5 is not quite as easy if you take the handle side apart, since you have to make sure you get the right sized screws in the holes when reassembling, and get the Star Drag washers in the right order; the side opposite the handle pops off easily with only three identical screws, if the line goes off that side.
The various crappie rod and reel dealers all stock mini reels so somebody must have success with them. You have to consider that they are designed mainly as a line holder for a jigging or trolling rod. Casting is not really their forte, but this WMR5 does cast pretty well. Not like a spincast or spinning reel, but about what you'd expect from a basic baitcast reel.
Some mini reel users have pointed out that you can avoid the problem of the line getting stuck between the spool and the reel housing by not filling the spool as full -- leave 1/8 inch of the spool showing. Also, heavier line might help. Many mini reels come spooled with 6lb line, but the WMR5 appears to come with 10lb line, although the description at Lew's says 6lb. I put Eagle Claw 8lb clear mono on my WMR5 and 2 other mini reels.
The appeal of the WMR5 is its minimalism; if you grew-up fishing with a basic baitcasting reel that you had to "thumb" to control distance/backlash, you can probably relate to this reel. Also, you will manually guide the line when reeling in, since the reel has no "level-wind"; my hunch is that without the mechanical friction of a level-wind the reel actually casts BETTER.
The WMR5 and other mini reels are versatile, mountable on most rods: baitcasting, spinning, ice-fishing, trolling/jigging, etc. I put the WMR5 on my Quantum QX24 6-foot medium action casting rod for general lake fishing for Bluegill and Bass. 1/8 oz jigs and larger lures cast easily. Anything lighter, like a feathered Grizzly Jig, try pulling out about 15 feet of line and flip the jig out onto the water -- a little like fly fishing.
The WMR5 has a Star Drag, a clicker on/off, a spool release, and a spool tensioner. These are used in various combinations; for example, turn the clicker on and release the spool to pull line off the reel to attach a lure, to drop a sinker rig straight down into the water, or to flip a lightweight lure. To cast, turn the clicker off, put your thumb on the spool to keep it from freespooling, click the spool release with your other hand, and cast. The spool tensioner is generally set loose to allow for longer casts, but can be tightened depending on the lure weight to help with backlash (but your thumb is the main backlash deterrent). The Star Drag, of course, helps to avoid line breakage by providing a little "give" to the fish.
List price is $25.99. Try to get it on Sale and have fun!

Date published: 2014-05-18

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Cwolf77 from
Best bait caster type crappie reel... PeriodThis reel has a true free spool unlike the other crappie reels out there. The release is on the top right of the reel instead of underneath like the others. The release works no matter what position the handle is in as well. It's a little heavier than other reels but it helps balance out the long rods. Some people comment that the line gets between the spool and the housing and that is because they put too much line on , only fill it to within 1/8 inch from full. I have used it with power pro braid as well as mono and have had no problems. It's my fav reel for use on my b&m ss rods.

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Is it a level wind reel

Would this be a good example of a reel to start a kid off on learning to use a bait caster? How well does it cast?

Asked by: AndyWiggins

Hi Andy,
The Lew's® Wally Marshall Signature Series Crappie Reel Right-handed Reel is an excellent choice to start a child off learning how to use a baitcast reel. Some users have commented, “This reel has a true free spool” and “The WMR5 is a more advanced, smoother-operating and better casting, version of Buck's Mini Reel and variations on the theme.”

Description:
Reel in that freshwater bass with the Lew's®
Laser MG Speed Spool Baitcast Reel Left-handed, which features a lightweight, 1-piece graphite composite frame and a high-strength solid brass main gear and crank shaft. The bowed, anodized-aluminum handle with a paddle ...